Testa Produce Brings New ‘Greener Fields Together’ Sustainability Initiative To Chicago

CHICAGO  – Testa Produce is proud to announce that it is a founding participant in Greener Fields Together,a groundbreaking, industry-wide sustainability and local produce initiative launched on October 2. The foodservice industry’s first comprehensive, national farm-to-fork sustainability program, Greener Fields Together has two primary goals: to create and commit to continuous sustainability improvements at each touch point in the produce supply chain, and to ensure the availability and safety of local produce for operators in all segments. Administered by PRO*ACT, the nation’s leading supplier of fresh produce to the foodservice industry, Greener Fields Together is being brought to market through PRO*ACT’s national network of independently owned distributor partners, including Testa Produce in Chicago and surrounding markets.

Beginning with farmers, Greener Fields Together targets and will measure “green” activities in areas including energy use, water and waste management, pesticide/herbicide use, packaging and transportation. Farmers large and small partnering with PRO*ACT at the national level and Testa Produce at the local level will be expected to make continuous improvements in these and other areas. Independent, third-party audits will verify that positive steps are being taken.

Participating distributors have also pledged to make continuous sustainability improvements and to build long-term partnerships with local farms—including financially supporting local farmers’ food safety education and certification efforts.

“We’re committed to bringing top-quality, safe local produce to market and we’ve long been known for our industry-leading approach to sustainability. Our new LEED® Platinum-certified distribution center is a testament to that,” says Peter Testa, president of Testa Produce. “Greener Fields Together helps us to extend that commitment all the way back through the produce supply chain, as well as forward to our customers, for whom sustainability and local produce safety have also become top priorities. It’s a comprehensive, innovative initiative – the first of its kind in the nation – and we’re excited to be a part of it. We encourage our customers to embrace it, as well.”

Hospitality operators are eligible to become part of the initiative and display the Greener Fields Together emblem. This represents their commitment to the Greener Fields Together produce supply chain and to continuous sustainability improvements in their operations.

For more information onGreener Fields Together, visit www.greenerfieldstogether.org

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About Greener Fields Together: Greener Fields Together is a collaboration of environmentally responsible parties, including farmers, distributors and foodservice operators, who have come together to make steady, measurable improvements in sustainability and food safety practices through all levels of the produce supply chain.

About Testa Produce: Founded in 1912,Testa Produce, Inc. is Chicago’s premier independent produce distributor. In addition to a broad line of domestic, local, organic, sustainable, and imported fresh produce items, the company delivers frozen, canned, and specialty foods to fine restaurants, hotels, and institutions throughout Illinois and much of Wisconsin. Testa is a member of both PRO*ACT, the foodservice industry’s largest produce buying and marketing organization, and Legacy Foodservice Alliance. In 2012, the company became the first food distributor in the nation to earn U.S. Green Building Council LEED® Platinum certification, the highest level available.

Source: Testa Produce